"I'll give up this sort of touring madness certainly, but music-everything is based on music. No, I'll never stop my music"
- George Harrison
About this Quote
In this quote, George Harrison catches the complex relationship artists often have with their craft and the way of life that accompanies it. The expression "this sort of visiting insanity" recommends a sense of exhaustion or disillusionment with the demands and turmoil of touring. This element of being a musician frequently involves intense schedules, continuous travel, absence of privacy, and the pressure to constantly perform at a high level. For many artists, the visiting lifestyle can become overwhelming, affecting both psychological and physical health. By expressing his objective to "give up this sort of touring insanity," Harrison acknowledges these obstacles and his desire to step back from this particular, typically grueling, aspect of his music career.
However, the second part of the quote, "however music-- whatever is based on music. No, I'll never ever stop my music," shifts focus from the external pressures of touring to the internal passion that fuels his artistry. Here, Harrison verifies an intrinsic and solid connection to music. Music, for him, is fundamental and necessary, suggesting that it is not just a profession or pastime but a core part of his identity. The line underscores music as a source of meaning, expression, and pleasure-- maybe even a spiritual requirement.
By juxtaposing his weariness of touring with his steady dedication to music, Harrison's words reveal the dual nature of being a professional artist: the tension in between the demands of the music industry and the personal, nearly spiritual bond with the art itself. Eventually, this quote reflects an artist's decision to prioritize the purity of creative expression and passion over the more industrial and tiring components of life as an expert artist. It speaks to a greater fact experienced by many in innovative fields: while the needs of the industry may change one's method, the essence of producing and engaging with art remains a long-lasting pursuit.
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